Biofilm formation begins when free-floating microorganisms such as bacteria come in contact with an appropriate surface and begin to put down roots, so to speak. This first step of attachment occurs when the microorganisms produce a gooey substance known as an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), according to the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University. An EPS is a network of sugars, proteins and nucleic acids (such as DNA). It enables the microorganisms in a biofilm to stick together and resist removal.

“The slimy EPS covering can act as a protective barrier to harmful substances such as antimicrobials and chlorine”, according to a 2004 article in Nature Reviews Microbiology. In the case of a hot tub, the bifilms and EPS, are not reduced by adding more chlorine or other sanitizers. A DeepClean is required to remove those biofilms. When you remove the biofilms, the effectiveness of the cholorine is increased.
Sensors also can be affected by biofilms leading to expensive diagnostic services and repair.
In summary, the sludge/biofilm that forms in a hot tub will clogs the jets, makes your pump work harder, it reduces the effectiveness of bacteria killing chemicals like chlorine, then creates an even better biofilm producing environment in the process.

Biofilms are a group of at least one kind of microorganism that grows on a wide range of surfaces. Bacteria, fungi, and protists are all examples of biofilm-producing microorganisms.

A common example of a biofilm is dental plaque. We brush our teeth to remove the microorganisms ( that cause plaque), however, we still need from time to time and often need, a “deep clean” to remove all the plaque. Even though we brush daily and remove the bacteria that cause plaque, they still produce biofilm in the form of plaque.

They have been found underwater, underground and above the ground. They can grow on plant tissues and animal tissues, and on implanted medical devices such as catheters and pacemakers.

The cost of an average hot tub or spa will cost approximately $25-$40 per month.  However, the size, cover and voltage used with your hot tub can vary and could be more expensive or less expensive.

By detecting dangerous current flow and instantly shutting off power, ground fault circuit interrupters save hundreds of lives each year. But after 10 years or so, the sensitive circuitry inside a GFCI wears out. And usually the test button on the GFCI doesn’t tell you there’s anything wrong: When you press the button, it shuts off the power as always. So the only reliable way to check an older GFCI is to use a circuit tester that has its own GFCI test button which is one of the services we offer at OSR!

Yes, A licensed electrician maybe needed to wire your house for the hot tub’s main power supply.  However, Ohio Spa Repair has been hooking up the electric on hot tubs for over 10 years and at a fraction of the cost of a licensed electrician.

Normally we recommend against shutting down your hot tub as water freezing in the system even though it’s completely drained, will frequently cause damage to the plumbing and leaks in your tub.  We do however offer a service of shutting your hot tub down for the winter if you absolutely need to shut it down.

Avoid cheap covers. They won’t last long, and will end up costing you more in the long run both in higher energy usage and in replacement costs.   Marine-grade vinyl with mildew and UV inhibitors is a must. Quality covers will also have two other features: a double reinforced folding center hinge, and steel reinforcement inside. Make sure the cover has adequate locking fasteners, and a zipper for the cover.

If you want hot tub therapy, or hot water experience, the horsepower is totally immaterial, if you want a heavy massage, a larger pump and ability to focus on a series of jets, increases the force of the pulse delivered and a deeper massage.

110 volt power supply:  3-4 degrees per hour depending on the volume of water.

240 volt power supply:   5 degrees per hour depending on the volume of water.

As long as the shell of the tub and outside surround are in good condition, it is usually worth repairing malfunctioning componenets vs. buying a new hot tub.  To replace your tub will cost 5-10k, repairs can be made at a fraction of that cost.

Yes. Even though ozone is an effective oxidizer, it has a relatively short life in your hot tub. The use of an ozonator will reduce your consumption of chlorine or bromine and makes it easier to maintain proper levels of these chemicals in the water without reducing their potency.  We recommend you use both.

No. Most hot tubs are self-contained plumbing units and which you can fill with a garden hose.  No futher outside plumbing connected to your house would be needed.

Being used:  98-104 degrees F. is optimal.

Not being used:  88-90 degrees F.